Coming Home

Chapter 2

When I wake, I hear Caleb and Washington talking.

"What the hell happened to him?"

Washington doesn't scold him for the language. Doesn't say anything.

"Answer me. He was calling out in his sleep. He never does that. Something happened and you know it."

"Lieutenant Brewster-"

"Leave it, Caleb," I say softly. Both of them look at me.

"Tall-boy, what happened? You look like hell and-" Caleb starts.

"I was shot. That's it."

"There's more to it. You both know something I don't."

"So what, Caleb? You don't need to know everything about my life." I ignore the hurt in his eyes.

"Tall-boy, what's wrong?"

"Nothing. Just, leave it. Okay?"

He looks sad, but nods. "Well, I'll get out of your hair." He nods to Washington, then leaves.

Washington comes over to the bed, "You all right? You were calling out in your sleep."

"I'm fine, sir. Has my uniform arrived yet?"

"Yes, it-" He breaks off as I start to get up. "Where are you going?"

"To my tent. I've imposed long enough."

His eyes are kind, "You could say here tonight. It's already late."

"But you need your bed, sir."

He laughs at that, "I'll be fine, Major. I've had worse, but if you insist." He hands me my uniform and turns so I can get changed. I do so quickly, grunting slightly in pain as I do so.

"I'm done, sir."

He turns around, "Get some rest, Major. I'll come to see you tomorrow, if possible. Otherwise, I don't expect to see you. No working."

"But sir, I can-"

"I know you can, but you need to get well. It'll give you some time with your thoughts."

"What if I don't want to be alone with thoughts?" I mutter to myself.

His gaze sharpens, "You know I don't like muttering." I repeat myself, louder this time.

His face softens, "Oh, Ben. I didn't think about that. Of course, you may work if it helps. Just don't overdo it."

"Yessir." I nod in farewell.

I find Caleb in my tent. He must have known I would come. He looks at me.

"Are you all right? And please tell the truth." I shake my head, no. "No, you're not all right or no, you're not going to tell me?"

"I'm not all right," I whisper.

"Okay, so what happened that you can't tell Washington?"

"I was raped," I say this so softly I can bearly hear myself, but Caleb must have heard because his face falls.

"I'm sorry, Tall-boy. Is there anything I can do?" I shake my head. "Well, you had better get some rest."

"Caleb, what was I saying in my sleep?"

"You were calling out for someone to stop...Now, get some rest. You need it."

I nod and climb into my bed. It's not as comfy as Washington's, but it's better than nothing. Soon, I'm back asleep, this time with no dreams.